Psoriasis is a skin complaints where your body produces skin cells every 3-4 days instead of 28-30 days. The new skin cells push up the old, dead skin cells causing large red, itchy patches to form on the skin’s surface. Although there isn’t a cure for psoriasis, there’s a few ways you can treat the symptoms…
UVB Light Lamp
Often known as phototherapy, UVB light lamps can be used to slow the growth of skin cells and can relieve psoriasis. There are two types of UVB light lamp therapies: narrow-band UVB and broad-band UVB. The first type tends to be more effective as it releases a smaller range of UV light and requires fewer sessions. UVB light lamps may temporarily worsen psoriasis but will greatly improve over time.
Natural Home Remedies
It’s very popular to opt for home remedies when treating psoriasis, eczema and other skin complaints. Run a lukewarm bath with either Epsom salt, milk or olive oil mixed into the water. This can greatly relieve scales and plaques on the skin. Even your diet can play a crucial role in treating psoriasis. Cutting out red meat and fatty foods can help your skin to recover. Choosing dark chocolate, cranberries, nuts and green vegetables can help relieve psoriasis symptoms. When it comes to your lifestyle, avoid caffeine, nicotine, perfumes and dyes as they can irritate the skin. It’s a good idea to keep moisturised and keep your environment moisturised so you can keep dry skin at bay!
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments for psoriasis include emollients, steroid creams and vitamin D analogues. Doctors will prescribe one or a combination of these topical treatments for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis, although emollients are usually prescribed for more mild cases. Emollients cover the skin with a protective film and keep moisture locked in. This prevents the skin from drying out and becoming too itchy. Topical corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and itchiness and they’re usually prescribed for smaller area of skin as they can cause thinning of the skin if overused. Similarly to UVB light therapy, vitamin D analogues slow the production of skin cells and they’re used in combination with a steroid cream for maximum effect.